Parliament boils over Assin North MP’s Eligibility

Parliament went agog on Thursday afternoon when the issue of the credibility of the Member of Parliament for the Assin North constituency, Hon. James Gyakyie Quayson came up for discussion on the floor of the House.

There was uproar in the House as tempers went high among the two sides – Minority and Majority, with the Minority side hitting their tables with their fists in apparent disagreement with the issue. It all started when the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kwadaso constituency, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, raised the issue that the courts had ruled that the MP in question not hold himself as such.

Subsequently, he said he could not phantom why the MP who he described as a “Stranger” should still be sitting in the Chamber. He asked the Speaker to cause the beleaguered MP to be walked out

Contempt of Court

Lending credence to the argument, the MP for the Abwakwa South constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea stated that Hon Gyakyie Quayeson’s presence in the Chamber was in contempt of the Courts, insisting that he could not hold himself as MP any longer.

It was at this juncture that hell broke loose with the Minority side hitting their tables loudly.

The Case is still pending before The Appeals Court

Objecting the argument from the Majority side, the MP for South Dayi constituency, Hon Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor said the case is still pending before the Appeals Court and until its final determination, the MP will continue to show up in the Chamber.

On his part, the Minority chief whip expressed surprise at Hon. Atta Akyea’s stance on the matter. It was his belief that Atta Akyea had planned together with Hon Nyarko to attack Hon Gyakyie Quayson.

The First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu who was presiding said he would consult with the leadership of the House on whether or not the appeal has been determined.

By S. O. Ankamah